The clarification followed widespread speculation on social media and several online publications that reported the former governor’s alleged death, prompting concerns among residents and political associates across the state.
In response to the reports, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Ovie Success, said he immediately contacted members of Uduaghan’s family to verify the claim.
In a statement titled, “Former governor Uduaghan is alive – death rumor false,” he said:
“I have just seen reports circulating online claiming that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead.
“Some people have been reaching out to me asking ‘Ossai Ovie Success is the news real’?
“I immediately reached out to his family to confirm.
“I spoke directly with his daughter Orode Uduaghan on the phone, and she confirmed that the news is false.
“Dr Uduaghan is alive.
“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification.
“Spreading fake news about someone’s death is cruel, irresponsible, and causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.
“I urge the public to disregard the rumor and avoid sharing unverified information. Let us show respect for life and for our leaders.
“Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead.”
The statement helped calm growing concerns following the circulation of the false reports, with the government urging members of the public to verify information before sharing it.
The former governor’s family has also maintained that he is alive, dismissing the reports as baseless and misleading.